Should I be in Primary?

[Monkreadusuk]

I'm looking for some advice on my riding position at a roundabout I use on a daily basis. Should I remain in Primary all the way round this roundabout? My reasons for doing so are so that I do not get cars passing me on both sides or changing lanes across me. It can get quite busy at times and a lot of drivers use incorrect lanes.

Your thoughts and opinions are appreciated.

 

[Cycling Dan]

I think the guy on the white line is an idiot. All that's going to happen is someones going to undertake while another overtake and hes the filling to a metal sandwich. Primary all the way round is fine. There are a few times where if you were a car getting past the rider in front is going to get clipped and left hooked. Somewhat a good thing he was there. He's a testament of what not to do.

 

[ianrauk]

No way would I cycle like that other chap. Just asking for trouble and he nearly got it.
You took the line and lanes that I would take if I had to ride that route.

 

[Hip Priest]

I think your position is correct, although those look like pretty hairy roads to cycle on and I'd personally try to find an alternative route!

The other cyclist looks like an accident waiting to happen.

 

[Blurb]

That doesn't look like a pleasant bit of road to ride.
That said, on the line looks like you're inviting trouble and should be avoided.
Primary would be best, but you'll probably get a lot of "pressure" from motorists.
Would a strong secondary be better? Thus, detering all but the most determined overtaker, whilst psychologically being less annoying to the following cars.

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

I agree with cycling dan, the guy on the white line has the potential form both sides. Drivers wouldn't know which lane he needs to be in. Also e when in a single lane, he's riding e gutter promoting dangerous close passes.

You need to stick mid lane - primary thru the RAB the pss secondary after that stating its your chosen lane.

 

[Hip Priest]

That doesn't look like a pleasant bit of road to ride.
That said, on the line looks like you're inviting trouble and should be avoided.
Primary would be best, but you'll probably get a lot of "pressure" from motorists.
Would a strong secondary be better? Thus, detering all but the most determined overtaker, whilst psychologically being less annoying to the following cars.

I think primary is best, as long as he is a strong rider and can keep a quick pace.

 

[Monkreadusuk]

I forgot to mention in my first post that although it's a National Speed Limit for that short distance, I do my best to keep above 25mph all the way along that section so as not to hold motorists up too much. There is a cycle path, but to use that I would have to stop and cross 4 busy junctions, 2 of which are slip roads from the motorway and cars fly down them. I've not tried it, but i'd estimate at least a 1-2 minute increase in my commute if I used the cycle path, along with scaring the crap outta myself :P

 

[Boris Bajic]

1. That is a real heartrate-raiser of a traffic system for a cyclist.
2. My main issue with the guy in front hugging the lines is that in the wet they are like greased ice with greasy grease on it.

 

[paulw1969]

to be honest I would try a different route if it were me that's some hairy roundabout!
having said that I think I would have ridden it exactly the same as you.
Sounds like the cycle path is just as dangerous from what you have explained....but you wont know until you actually try it....I would give it a go even if only to prove a point to myself......

Having said all the above......its your ride

 

[Deleted member 1258]

As others have said your line is good, but have you looked at alternatives? Are there quieter routes you could use? Is that the Portsmouth area?

 

[Glow worm]

As others have said your line is good, but have you looked at alternatives? Are there quieter routes you could use? Is that the Portsmouth area?

Quite- I'd be prepared for some seriously lengthy detours to avoid roads half as bad as that. British motons just aren't capable of driving sensibly around us - I simply wouldn't risk it.

 

[redcard]

Is there a reason that guy is straddling two lanes, or is he just a dumbass?

 

[BSRU]

Is there a reason that guy is straddling two lanes, or is he just a dumbass?

Probably a false belief that lane splitting is a good idea

 

[Lurker]

Horrible roundabout. If everyone drove through it like you cycle through it i.e. correctly, there'd be no problem. The difficulty for cyclists especially is that - as your video shows - some drivers don't hesitate to drive badly or even illegally. Be interesting to see your video of the equivalent cycle path route, to illustrate the hazards that that introduces, if you have a chance to do this in similar traffic + weather conditions. If you had timings for you to traverse the roundabout, by road and by cycle path, to highlight the delay that the cycle path option introduces, that would also be good. I guess the timing difference arises because the cycle path route is both slower (that is, designed for low average cycling speeds) and longer (doesn't follow a direct route).